A new study forecasts a potential labor shortage of physical and occupational therapists over the next decade. The September 2014 study by “The Conference Board” estimates that the U.S. will experience labor shortages in three categories: skilled labor, healthcare professionals, and technology.

The report is titled, “From Not Enough Jobs to Not Enough Workers.” The Conference Board, founded in 1916, is an independent research organization with a mission to “provide the world’s leading organizations with the practical knowledge they need to improve their performance and better serve society.”

Not enough Replacement Workers

As the boomer generation retires from the workforce, there are not enough replacement workers to fill their positions. The further we move out, the larger the problem becomes. In regards to healthcare, the Conference Board forecasts shortages of physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurse practitioners, physical therapist assistants, and occupational therapist assistants, among others.

The problem is two-fold. As boomers age, they’re going to increasingly need the services of physical therapists and there aren’t enough replacement therapists to fill the void. At the same time, U.S. medical schools are turning away qualified applicants because there is not enough infrastructure and faculty to educate them all.

The American Physical Therapists Association forecasts “unmet demand” to range from 13,638 to 27,820 full-time physical therapists until 2020.

Permanent and Temporary Therapist Recruiting

The good news is that Travel Force Staffing can help organizations meet their optimal staffing requirements with permanent, temporary, travel, and part-time therapists. Travel Force Staffing specializes in career opportunities for Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, PTAs, Speech Language Pathologists and other allied health professionals.

It’s important for healthcare executives to stay ahead of the curve and be able to manage the risk of the upcoming therapist workforce shortage. Contact Travel Force post jobs and see that therapist recruitment doesn’t have to be difficult.

This year’s theme lists the Top 10 Fittest Cities for Baby Boomers

If ever there was anything that needed to be shared among friends, patients and the medical community, it’s the benefits of physical therapy. For over 20 years now, the APTA has done just that, by getting another National Physical Therapy Month well underway this October. This year, the theme has been expanded to include The Top 10 Fittest Baby Boomer Cities in America. Celebrating seniors is such a good idea, considering they make up the largest base of patients in rehab. The APTA’s “Fit After 50 Program” is a great way to not only honor them, but help them keep up the good work.

Travel Force Staffing is proud to place allied healthcare professionals in America’s fittest cities for Baby Boomers. Ranked in order of the fittest, you’ll also find plenty of high paying therapy jobs in these lean and mean parts of the USA!

MoveForwardPT.com, the APTA inspired site that creates awareness during National Physical Therapy Month in October and the rest of the calendar year, provides resources for both practitioners of PT and the patients. Just click the Fit After 50 link to access a wealth of resources on staying committed to exercise and reversing the signs of aging. Pass the wisdom on, and check in often with your #1 staffing agency for therapy jobs from coast to coast when you call 1-800-617-0608 or apply online today!

Experienced physical therapists can boost their income by up to 20% by becoming a certified hand therapist (CHT). Hand therapy has traditionally been the primary domain of occupational therapists; however there is a strong demand for PT hand therapists amongst many in the medical community.

Cindy Johnson, PT, DPT, CHT, president of the hand rehabilitation section for the American Physical Therapy Association stated, “There is a shortage in general of hand therapists, but PT hand therapists are sought after. They are never wanting for a job.”

CHTs treat more than the hand

Hand rehabilitation includes not just the hand but the wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle. The practice merges physical and occupational therapy by combining PTs structural knowledge of the upper limb with OTs expertise with functional activities.

Advantages of having a CHT Designation

Current research presents a strong link between the health of the spine and the operation of the upper limb. Johnson states, “Research is coming out stating you can’t treat the hand without treating the spine. That is not part of an OT practice, but it is part of a PT practice.” A study posted in the Journal of Manual Manipulative Therapy by Joshua Cleland, DPT OCS demonstrates that patients with tennis elbow have improved treatment results when therapy is directed toward the cervicthoracic spine in addition to the elbow.

Physical therapists with a CHT designation can increase their patient load:

Through increased referrals from hand surgeons who are increasingly opting for CHTs

Physical therapists with a CHT make up only 14% of the 5,510 hand therapists in the United States. Physical therapists choosing to pursue the hand therapy certification require five years of experience as a full-time PT. Before an applicant can write the half-day certification exam, they must complete and document at least 4,000 hours of direct hand therapy treatments.

On July 22, 2013 physical therapists from across the United States, chosen by the APTA’s Private Practice Section lobbied Congress in Washington D.C. They were tasked with the very important goal of discussing some of the current problems with Medicare reimbursement—issues that range from the Sustainable Growth Rate and its negative impact on payment rates, to therapy caps that limit patients’ access to the best possible care. At the end of the first ever “fly-in”, solutions to many problems affecting therapy jobs were reached.

As many already know, the current payment scheme makes it hard for physical therapists to earn reasonable reimbursements when they treat Medicare patients, who are perhaps the neediest group when it comes to allied health services. Because of the recession and economic hardship felt all around, Congress has called a moratorium on payment reductions every year—while this is great news for therapists who would otherwise see a 29% drop in payments from Medicare, many did not want to revisit the short-term fix again next year; they lobbied for change now.

A short list of the problems physical therapists have lobbied Congress to address and solve:

Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR): The SGR is crippled by 1997’s Balanced Budget Act; physical therapists are lobbying to replace this dinosaur with the Medicare Physician Payment Innovation Act of 2013 (H.R. 574). This bill would repeal and replace the SGR formula that determines Medicare payment rates, ensuring that therapists are paid fairly and commensurate with the current value of their services.

Medicare Therapy Cap: Another part of 1997’s Balanced Budget Act that negatively impacts therapists is the Medical Therapy Cap. PTs wish to replace this with the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act (H.R. 713/S. 367), which would permanently repeal the arbitrary annual per-beneficiary cap for physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language pathology services. This bill would eliminate a lot of paperwork and frustration for therapists across the United States, and better yet give continuous and higher quality of care to their patients.

Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction: One of the goals of lobbying Congress was to stop this practice, wherein Congress uses inaccurate data to reduce payments to physical therapists and use the savings to patch the flawed SGR formula.

“Substitute therapists” policy: When physical therapists in private practice take a leave of absence, current government policies prevent them from hiring a qualified replacement. APTA’s private practice section has asked Congress to add physical therapists to the list of professionals allowed to bring qualified temporary substitute professionals when the practice owner needs to be away.

Medicare Opt Out: Because physical therapists are not presently permitted to opt-out of Medicare and treat these patients privately, PTs are lobbying Congress to be included in the list of professionals allowed to do so; they believe this option enables them to better serve their patients.

Curbing Fraud and Abuse: Part of the physical therapists’ lobby was in recommending cost saving measures for Congress, so that over-utilization of therapy services is no longer as prevalent.

Whether they work in private practices or for healthcare employers, therapists can all agree that high-quality, cost-effective physical therapy is something every patient deserves. If you’re looking for therapy jobs that foster ideal relationships between therapists and patients, then Travel Force Staffing wants to know you; just call 1-800-617-0608 or apply online to connect with a consultant today. Positive changes are coming to the healthcare landscape, and we look forward to meeting dynamic, innovative and highly adaptable clients who embody all that and more. Talk to you soon!

A recent study in the Washington Post* has ranked the top 10 jobs in the United States for 2013. While many of the occupations have remained the same, some have shifted their position in this year’s ranking.

Occupational Therapists (OT) professionals hold the number 7 position in the 2012 ranking while Physical Therapists (PT) came in at number 9 based on a methodology based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Physical Therapist careers carry an average pay of over $76,000.00 annually while Occupational Therapists enjoy an average annual salary of over $72,000.00.

Physical Therapists

Physical therapy jobs are available nationwide on a permanent basis as well as travel and per diem assignments. Healthcare employers posting the greatest number of positions include rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, out-patient centers, and top rehabilitation hospitals around the country.

As an Occupational Therapist, there are thousands of positions staffed in the USA each year and many are on a travel assignment basis. These assignments provide phenomenal benefits in a variety of locations where accommodations are provided along with free health insurance including dental and life.

Travel Force Staffing is one of the industry leaders in matching position openings for Occupational and Physical Therapists. All qualifications are considered intently to ensure that you are right for the position and location.

Our promise includes promoting your experience, strengths and preferences to the hiring managers and assures you of the highest pay possible. Travel Force Staffing brings you to the employer or employee of your choice.

Apply to Travel Force today to find that Occupational or Physical Therapist position that is waiting for you. Call now at 800-617-0608 or apply online.

There is no doubt that physical therapists provide a valuable and needed service to the general public. PTs provide healing treatments to patients recovering from injuries, accidents, medical ailments and surgeries. Specific goals may include working on the patient’s motor skills, flexibility, range of motion and overall physical health. Maintaining their own good health, Physical Therapists must be physically fit in their own right in order to assist their patients with standing, sitting and walking.

How You Can Stand Out from Your Peers

Continuing education programs are available to the more than 60,000 members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) of which less than 10 percent have taken advantage. Physical Therapists with improved clinical skills are recognized with Board-certified status and are exposed to a greater number of PT career opportunities and premium pay rates.

Travel Force Staffing offers free Continuing Education (CE) as part of our benefits’ package including online courses that allow PTs who are on assignment to test in real-time. While accruing continuing education credits, Physical Therapists can further their career by fulfilling state board requirements.

Areas of additional education and training include:

CCS (Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Certified Specialist)

ECS (Clinical Electrophysiologic Certified Specialist)

GCS (Geriatric Certified Specialist)

NCS (Neurologic Certified Specialist)

OCS (Orthopaedic Certified Specialist)

PCS (Pediatric Certified Specialist)

SCS (Sports Certified Specialist)

WCS (Women’s Health Certified Specialist)

The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) also offers continuing education in paediatrics, sports and women’s health. Certification in any of these fields usually yields an above average income when compared to non-certified physical therapists.

Physical Therapist Jobs

Travel Force Staffing professionals are highly trained in physical therapy recruitment and the positioning of both permanent and travel employment. We specialize in staffing Outpatient and Rehab Centers, skilled nursing facilities and the most renowned rehabilitation hospitals in the nation.

Travel Force assures you that every qualification is considered to ensure that you are placed in the right position and obtain the best pay possible. PTs are in demand nationwide and there are literally thousands of physical therapy job openings for travel and permanent positions.

Whether you are looking for a new physical therapy job or are a healthcare employer looking to fortify your workforce, Travel Force Staffing has the resources to help achieve your objective. Contact us online now and find out how our therapy staffing services can benefit your organization. Or call us at 1-800-617-0608 to discuss your options with a Travel Force representative.

Our recruiters use cutting edge technology in their selection process, but there’s more to it than that. They also value their career development partnerships, and work hard to maintain them; these alliances with universities and physical therapy programs throughout the United States put recruitment staff in contact with both new therapy graduates and veterans of the allied healthcare field. Though consultants review thousands of applications via an internal database, the process gets more personal when they have the distinct pleasure of meeting one-on-one with the talented therapists who come to college career fairs. The goal is to work closely with candidates, ultimately landing them high income and rewarding therapy jobs in all 50 U.S. States.

While it’s true that a consultant helps the therapist find his or her way in a fiercely competitive field, the end-result of working together is a win-win, not just for the job applicant, but for the healthcare employer as well. The consultant vets the best physical therapists, PTAs, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists for therapy careers that help define rehab centers, out-patient clinics, skilled nursing facilities and more as among the best in America. Their approach to staffing hospitals is invaluable in the face of healthcare reform and the millions of newly entitled patients who will inevitably seek therapy from an allied healthcare professional.

Here are just a few more reasons why it’s a win-win for therapists and healthcare employers when they use a staffing consultant to fulfill their employment goals. Find these and other related statistics on Travel Force Staffing’s site.

The 39% surge in physical therapy jobs projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics will open up some 77,000 more therapy jobs between now and 2020.

Rather than feel overwhelmed, healthcare employers have every reason to sit back, relax and let highly trained recruiters provide a complete profile, skills checklists, license verification and references with every candidate submitted.

The “very best” healthcare talent, classified as the top 10 percent, can expect to earn more than $100,000 a year!

Therapists with advanced clinical training and amazing potential know that short-term therapy jobs offer more than just high pay and the flexibility to do and see more; they also know that travel therapy jobs are an excellent opportunity for professional growth; these allied healthcare workers need only call 1-800-617-0608 or apply online to learn more. Hospitals interested in staffing the best of the best are encouraged to post your positions online today!

When it comes to helping patients recover or improve basic motor skills for daily tasks, occupational therapy is key, so it only stands to reason OTs are instrumental in helping patients drive. That’s why National Mobility Month this May snags the attention of allied health professionals, particularly occupational therapists who play a pivotal role in sport wheelchair assessments; these OTs help wheelchair athletes, looking for a chair that delivers functionality and comfort.

Transportation that is wheelchair friendly can require expertise and adjustments that occupational therapists may be specifically trained to give—inspirational stories worth sharing often come with the job. OTs who understand this may be interested in the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), and its contest that is looking to feature “local heroes” who thrive and excel in spite of handicap. If you are a therapist who knows someone deserving of a nomination, you can visit NMEDA’s site and enter them in a contest accepting entries throughout the United States and Canada. The prize is a custom wheelchair accessible vehicle.

This excellent idea, one that promotes the understanding that people with disabilities can live active, mobile lifestyles, was conceived of at the 22nd Annual NMEDA Conference in Phoenix; now in its 2nd year, National Mobility Month has been designated in the Congressional Record by the U.S. House of Representatives. If they don’t already know, occupational therapists should learn about NMEDA; it’s a non-profit trade association of hundreds of mobility equipment dealers, manufacturers and driver rehabilitation specialists dedicated to improving transportation options for the disabled.

These are just a few facts occupational therapists might share with patients and the general public that promote awareness for National Mobility Awareness month:

People with disabilities constitute the 2nd largest minority in the United States.

Over 18 million people in the U.S. and Canada have mobility issues and may someday require the expertise of an occupational therapist or other allied health professional.

Helping patients come up with automotive mobility solutions is a big part of OT jobs. For those patients who need guidance differentiating between safe and unreliable vehicles, therapists might consider disseminating information about National Mobility Awareness month and its ties to NMEDA.

Move Forward with Therapy Jobs During Mobility Month and Year Round

If you’re looking to touch the lives of patients in need of rehabilitation and a return to an active and mobile life, Travel Force Staffing has rewarding therapy jobs in all 50 U.S. states and would be happy to assist you when you call 1-800-617-0608 or apply online. Moving forward is what we’re all about!

There are two statistics that occupational therapists should be aware of when it comes to home health. The first is that 80% of those 50 years of age and older desire to age in their own homes or “age in place” and the second is that sixty percent of all falls occur in the home. Home health occupational therapists can help reduce falls by consulting patients on how to reduce environmental hazards in the home. Of course, home modifications are required for all types of clients with various health conditions including cognitive disorders or sensory and mobility impairments.

The home modification process includes a needs assessment, solution options and evaluation, patient training, and an outcome evaluation. A full assessment includes ADL activities such as personal hygiene, dressing, eating, and functional mobility as well as IADL chores such as housecleaning, shopping, communications, and transportation. Hobbies and recreational activities should also be factored in for a well-rounded lifestyle.

Home Health Advancements

Occupational therapy practitioners work individually with patients and clients to devise adaptations to the home environment in order to increase independence, promote health, and prevent further decline or injury.

Home health occupational therapists can suggest the products that will most benefit physically-limited patients. Low-cost solutions may include grab bars in bathrooms, rearranging furniture, levered handles on doors and sinks, handrails installed on either side of the stairway, clutter removal, and assistive devices. Higher-priced options may include wheelchair lifts and ramps, stair lifts, roll-in showers, tub benches, and even home renovation such as expanded doorways or the addition of a first floor bedroom.

Home health OT practitioners understand the functional impact of acute and chronic conditions that affect performance skills and mobility and can serve as a consultant to contractors, builders, architects, and community groups that provide home modification services.

Occupational and physical therapists have been using water as a means to rehabilitate the human body for centuries. Water provides a means of non-impact resistance that is ideal for rehabilitating musculoskeletal disorders.

A recent study by the University of Wisconsin shows that hydrotherapy is beneficial for improving flexibility, sleep patterns and can relieve joint and muscle pain in adults that have a history of orthopedic discomfort. Proponents claim an increase in blood flow along with an improved flow of cellular breakdown byproducts to the lymphatic system for disposal.

A number of physical and occupational therapy techniques that have been developed are based on the buoyancy and resistant properties of water. Body weight is decreased while in the water and reduces stress on affected areas such as injured joints or muscles. It also is a resting place for muscles that would otherwise be used to support the body on land thereby relieving burden on the spine.

Stimulates Blood Circulation

Water temperature and pressure can be modulated in order to stimulate blood circulation to the injured area bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to engage the healing process. Hydrotherapy, as employed by physical and occupational therapists, now involve the use of mineral baths, underwater massage, water jets, whirlpool baths, hot tubs, and cold immersion or cryotherapy depending on the type of injury.

Additionally, most aquatic therapy pools in hospital and rehab center settings have hoists for lifting patients in and out of the pool, as well as walking bars and specially designed handles for those who have difficulty or who find it painful to move around without added assistance.

As aquatic therapy has developed, physical appliances have evolved to enhance the rehabilitation process. Therapy pools can be equipped with aids such as underwater treadmills, therapy jets, movable floors for depth variations along with hydro massage and underwater cameras. There are a number of accessories available to assist with the program including flotation devices, kickboards, barbells and webbed gloves.

Occupational and physical therapists can utilize aquatic therapy to treat musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders in order to reduce pain and muscle spasm as well as increase range of motion, strengthen weakened muscles, induce blood circulation, improve balance and coordination, and re-educate paralyzed muscles.